The 'Mix & exchange' activity is a dynamic exercise that encourages students to engage in active learning by exchanging knowledge and ideas. By moving around and sharing information with different classmates, students enhance their understanding of the lesson content and develop their communication skills. This activity promotes collaboration, interaction, and deeper engagement in the learning process.
- Activity goal
- Activate prior knowledge | Exchange knowledge
- When
- In class
- Where
- Offline
- Duration
- < 10 minutes
- Group size
- Small | Medium
Step-by-step plan
Step 1: Preparation
Create cards with information, questions, or problems related to the lesson material. Each card should contain unique information that is relevant to the topic.
Step 2: Explanation and instructions
Explain the activity to the students and give clear instructions on how to use the cards. Each student receives one card with a question, definition, or problem. The answer is also included on the card.
Step 3: Walk around
Have the students move around the classroom and meet each other. During each encounter, they ask the question from their card and work together to find the correct answer.
Step 4: Exchange information
After explaining the information on their card, students exchange cards and find a new partner to exchange their cards. This process will be repeated several times.
Step 5: Summary
After a set amount of time (for example, 10-15 minutes), have the students sit down and reflect on the information they have gathered. If needed, discuss the key points as a group and let students share their insights.
Consider the tools and materials mentioned here as suggestions. In many cases it’s possible to use alternative tools. Please turn to the Learning & Innovation team of your faculty first to see which online and offline tools are available and how to apply them.
Offline
- Cards with terms, definitions, images, or examples
Tip 1
- Students can also create their own question-and-answer cards (write clearly!), for example on a post-it note.
